Bell displayed typical wizardry in the Brahms concerto. Since 1996, when he recorded the work with the Cleveland Orchestra, he has bulked up his interpretation, especially in the first movement. The earlier approach was refreshing, but little was lost in the weightier rendition heard Friday. At 44, he sounded poised on a fulcrum between seasoned mastery on one hand and youthful impetuosity on the other.

His original cadenza in the first movement bore signs of homage to his revered teacher, Josef Gingold, and his teacher, Eugene Ysaye. Bell's perky rhythmic sensitivity drove the finale, and under Urbanski's clear direction, the orchestra seemed inspired to dance with the star.

Clamorous demands for an encore produced Bell's witty version of "Souvenir d'amerique" by Henry Vieuxtemps, a fantasy on "Yankee Doodle," accompanied by oohs, aahs and chuckles from the audience.